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Thursday, April 2, 2009

The USMNT remained at the top of the Hexagonal table by getting it done at home with a 3:0 win over TnT. Jozy "is not a girl's name" Altidore tallied a hat trick as the US unwrapped the TnT defense time and again. Over 27,000 filled the lower bowl of LP Field to take part in what was the largest crowd to ever see a soccer game in Tennessee. So much for my concerns about attendance.

The US solves the TnT defense again, but can't convert

In addition to Altidore's finishing, Landon Donovan showed his class by assisting on all three goals. The first goal was set up with a precise laser to a steaking Altidore after a clinical flick on by hardworking Brian Ching.

Donovan serves up a free kick

Donovan deftly turned a defender, and streaked down the flank to drop the ball into Altidore's path for the second goal. Altidore did the rest by dancing past a clumsy challenge and slotting home from 10 yards. The final goal was a lesson in humility as both Michael Bradley and Donovan passed up golden opportunities to go to goal. Donovan passed back to an on rushing Altidore who smacked a low, hard one-timer that slipped through the TnT goalkeeper's grasp and nestled into the back of the net.